Demolition and
clean-up complete!
It took 10 blasts over four months to bring down the retired eastbound McClugage Bridge. Cleanup wrapped up in September, including debris removal from the river and dismantling the remaining piers near the railroad tracks. Concrete and steel were taken to recycling facilities.
If you missed the live action, watch all the blast videos here!
Westbound bridge rehabilitation
Preliminary work has shifted to rehabilitating the westbound McClugage Bridge - ramp work at U.S. 150 and Illinois 29 started September 24.
This multiyear, $70 million project includes a new bridge deck, structural repairs over the Illinois River and Illinois 29 and painting. While not as extensive as the eastbound bridge replacement, the improvements will extend the bridge’s lifespan well into the future. Work is expected to continue through 2028.
WHAT?
After more than 70 years of serving the Peoria metro area, the eastbound McClugage Bridge will be removed and replaced with a new structure to meet the region’s transportation needs. Potential alternatives for a new bridge were examined and public comments were considered in the initial phases of the project, allowing construction to begin in the Spring of 2019.
WHY?
In order to improve capacity, increase safety and reduce travel times, the new McClugage Bridge will replace the existing structure. Continuing IDOTs focus on improving multimodal capabilities and strengthening the traveling experience, the new bridge will include bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Did you
know?
The new eastbound McClugage Bridge will improve the traveling experience for all who cross – not only for existing needs, but future ones as well. The new structure, more than twice the width of the old bridge, will increase capacity by adding a third lane and shoulders, improve safety, reduce travel times and ensure additional multimodal access with bike and pedestrian accommodations.
